The International Rescue Committee initiated operations in northwestern Tanzania’s Kigoma Region in December 1993 in response to a large influx of refugees from neighboring Burundi and Rwanda, where ethno-political violence and civil war forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. Although nearly all Rwandan refugees in Tanzania have since returned to their homes, subsequent episodes of violence in Burundi forced thousands more to flee to Tanzania. In addition, the outbreak of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1996 led to an influx of Congolese refugees into Tanzania. Currently, UNHCR and its partner organizations assist approximately 37,000 Burundians and 63,000 Congolese who call northwestern Tanzania their home.
How We Help
The IRC in Tanzania has for many years been providing services in three field sites: Kibondo, Kasulu and Kigoma. After the signing of the ceasefire in 2006 between the government and the last remaining rebel group, the situation in Burundi has become increasingly peaceful. UNHCR and its partners, including the IRC, have supported the repatriation of tens of thousands of refugees. As a result of these efforts, the final Kibondo camp, Nduta, closed at the end of 2008 and the Kibondo field site shut down shortly thereafter. It was the final chapter for a successful field operation that for many years provided a comprehensive health program, gender-based violence (GBV), adolescent social welfare and a program focused on the health needs of the refugee host area.
In Kasulu, the reduction of camp numbers has resulted in a single remaining refugee camp. The Mtabila camp currently serves 37,000 Burundians and the IRC supports these refugees through camp management, primary education, child protection and GBV services. In addition to camp-based services, the IRC promotes and facilitates voluntary repatriation to Burundi.
In Kigoma, the IRC continues to assist newly-arrived asylum seekers through its transit center in Kigoma town, as well as coordinating medical referrals from all refugee camps in northwestern Tanzania. The center also serves as a stopover for Congolese refugees repatriating by ship to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and those Burundians who have lived in the Tanzania since 1972. Prior to their repatriation people can receive medical attention, food, shelter, water and sanitation. IRC medical staff escort all repatriation convoys to the DR Congo by ship and to the Burundi border by road. In 2008, the IRC in Kigoma facilitated the repatriation of approximately 15,700 Congolese and 30,300 Burundians.
